How to roughly work out a yearly motorcycle budget?

[Newo]

Forgive my ignorance if this has already been discussed elsewhere, I did search.

I'm trying to draw up some sort of a yearly budget for all compulsory costs that are associated with riding a motorcycle as everyday transportation, as well as all other recommended costs that if/when money is available I should put towards.

I realise all bikes won't necessarily have the same costs but a general guideline is what I'm after here. I'm asking because I'm planning on upgrading soon and I'd like to make sure that my next bike is properly looked after and to do that will require me putting money aside each week otherwise it will likely be spent and not there when it's needed. I realise not everything can be planned for as parts can fail unexpectedly and require immediate attention.

I'm just going to make a list here and sorta add to it as things are brought up and discussed because this could be useful for everybody who isn't fully aware of the costs involved to keep a healthy, legal, roadworthy motorcycle.

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Compulsory Costs:

Petrol - obviously depends on how often you ride and price at the pump.
Registration - can be found on the land transport website here: Currently 477.32 and 591.42 (http://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicle/registration-licensing/fees.html)
WoF - Average of $30 for inspection every 6 months. (I've never owned a vehicle that could have a longer duration WoF so fill me in on how it works)

Tires - Every 6-10k depending on riding style. (What's the average cost of motorcycle tires? I've yet to pay for any so wouldn't know)
Oil + Filter - Every ?k's or every ? months, which ever comes first.


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It's late and i'm tired so I'll add to this later, I'd like to get into as much detail as possible while still being quite general. if that's not too contradictory. Let me know what other costs are involved, especially to do with general maintanence such as services at the appropriate intervals, typical wear such as tires, how long generally before new tires are required and the average cost of tires. etc.

[superman]

Tyres. Depending on how many km you ride per year.
Servicing (oil changes etc). Depending on how many km you ride per year.
WoF is yearly for vehicles less than 6 years old.

[ducatilover]

If you love your CBR:
Carb clean and balance at 20,000km intervals (you'll notice when it's done...)
Valve clearances at teh Honda recommended intervals, probably 25,000km?
Being an MC19, you may need a few fuel pumps :bleh:
Chains.
Chain lube, do it often, don't be tight.
Brake pads.
Fork seals, rear shock seals/service (it is probably due for these being an '88 model)
Tyres, don't be a cheap prick with them.
Oil changes every 5000km, filters are dirt cheap for a CBR (same as a TRX400/500 etc etc and the VT250/VT250)
Air filter.

Bikes are not cheap to properly maintain, but they're worth it!

[Gremlin]

Bigger bikes will also cost more than smaller bikes to run, using more expensive tyres that generally don't last as long. Chain and sprockets (if it has them) are replaced more frequently as well.

I tracked the expenditure of my last bike quite accurately, so from October 2008 to January 2011 I spent about $15,500 on tyres and servicing (no accessories). The gas bill was $7,100 and I covered 63,000km.

I believe this would be at the higher end of maintenance :laugh:

[LBD]

Work out how much you can afford and ....double it.

[slofox]

I put aside $25.00 per week just for tyres.

It isn't enough...:wacko:

[hellokitty]

I have a basic a/p set up into another account of $30 a week for tyres, rego and basic service. I don't know how long tyres will last me, but I just spent $522 on tyres, and as these are my first new tyres on a bike I plan to keep for a long time, it will be interesting to see.

[NinjaNanna]

Per km charges

fuel (17km/l @$2.40) = 14c
servicing ($200/5000km) = 4c
tyres ($600/8000km) = 7.5c
TOTAL RUNNING COST /KM = 25.5c



Yearly costs

wof = $70
rego = $600
insurance = $???



The rest you need to work out for yourself

[cheshirecat]

Got a 94 VFR and cost minimal, ie no cam chain and valves have only needed doing once 80,000 k ago, original fork seals, discs, bearings and bulbs; so just tyres, oil, filters and plugs er 40,000 ago but it doesn't seem to mind.

[SMOKEU]

Being an MC19, you may need a few fuel pumps :bleh:


I had an MC19 and the fuel pump died. The factory fuel pump has the inlet and outlet on the same side of the pump and finding an aftermarket pump like that was very difficult. Honda wanted around $350 for a fuel pump which had to be imported from Japan.

I ended up going to a place that specializes in parts for the 1st generation Minis as those fuel pumps have the inlet and outlet on the same side and the size of the pump is similar. Never had any problems with the bike after that.

[Fast Eddie]

Live now pay later..

[Katman]

How long is a piece of string?

[slofox]

In my case:

Fuel (15km/l @$2.25) = 15.0c
Servicing ($250/6000km) = 4.2c
Tyres ($600/9000km) = 6.7c
TOTAL RUNNING COST /KM = 25.9c

x 18000km/year = $4662.00

PLUS

Yearly costs
wof = $70
rego = $600
insurance = $600

Total per year = $5932.00.


Call it $6000 per year

Or $500 per month

Or $115.38 per week.

Fuck. No wonder I'm poor!

[FJRider]

Bigger bikes will also cost more than smaller bikes to run, using more expensive tyres that generally don't last as long. Chain and sprockets (if it has them) are replaced more frequently as well.

I tracked the expenditure of my last bike quite accurately, so from October 2008 to January 2011 I spent about $15,500 on tyres and servicing (no accessories). The gas bill was $7,100 and I covered 63,000km.

I believe this would be at the higher end of maintenance :laugh:

Big or small bike ... if you do the distances ... they DONT last long ...
HOW you ride makes a difference, as does the type of riding (commute/tour/race) even with identical bikes ... Ride like Rossi, and they WONT last long.

I never bother to "track" my bike expenses ... I'm too scared to ... I'd rather not know.

I think anybody onsite, could give you an indication of the amount of money you will need to spend. Just not an EXACT one ...

[baffa]

Something noone else has mentioned; protective gear.

I have a feeling I'm going to need to replace my boots on a yearly basis, gloves dont last forever, and jackets and pants cost more than I care to think about.

[ducatilover]

Something noone else has mentioned; protective gear.

I have a feeling I'm going to need to replace my boots on a yearly basis, gloves dont last forever, and jackets and pants cost more than I care to think about.
Buy decent boots then. My Dririders lasted over 100,000km of riding.

[slofox]

Something noone else has mentioned; protective gear.

I have a feeling I'm going to need to replace my boots on a yearly basis, gloves dont last forever, and jackets and pants cost more than I care to think about.

I've not had to replace any gear in the past three and a half years and no sign of anything needing replacement any time soon. Only problem ever was a leaky boot, easily fixed with Ados F2.

Mind you I have about four pairs of gloves, three different jackets, two pairs of boots and two helmets...:facepalm:

[Gremlin]

and jackets and pants cost more than I care to think about.
$3000 for my top of the line Rukka set... wait... more than you care to think about... yup!

I didn't include accessories and gear in those calculations... I think the figure came to more like $50k for that same period. :eek:

[Oakie]

I put aside $25.00 per week just for tyres.

It isn't enough...:wacko:

Jeez. $20 a fortnight did it for me and I still had $60 left over when bought.

[ducatilover]

Jeez. $20 a fortnight did it for me and I still had $60 left over when bought.
He's very old though you see.


And I imagine he's got some pricey black round things on that Gixxer

[slofox]

He's very old though you see.


And I imagine he's got some pricey black round things on that Gixxer

Just the Bridgie 016's.

[ducatilover]

Just the Bridgie 016's.
Interesting, how long do they tend to last you?
I like me them Pilot Powaah things I have, bit pricey though $350+ for a rear :facepalm:

[Fast Eddie]

Interesting, how long do they tend to last you?
I like me them Pilot Powaah things I have, bit pricey though $350+ for a rear :facepalm:

my bt016s have made it just over 6,000kms so far. Front is mint.. rear is balding.. but still plenty left right on th edges so trying my luck and giving it more gas at full lean to try get my money worth..

[slofox]

Interesting, how long do they tend to last you?
I like me them Pilot Powaah things I have, bit pricey though $350+ for a rear :facepalm:

9000k. I change both at the same time.

[caspernz]

You don't really wanna work out how much your bike costs to run....

My 2008 GSX750F is tracking at just under $0.50 per km (including accessories from new) covering around 15000 km per year.

My 2008 XR6 FG Falcon is running at about $0.65 per km covering around 20000 km per year.

My spreadsheet includes depreciation, all fixed and variable costs, but no riding gear.

I kinda figure by the time I upgrade to a bigger bike, the running cost for the bike will be higher than the car.....but still the bike will be more fun....if only the wife could understand:rolleyes::rolleyes:

[hellokitty]

You don't really wanna work out how much your bike costs to run....

I kinda figure by the time I upgrade to a bigger bike, the running cost for the bike will be higher than the car.....but still the bike will be more fun....if only the wife could understand:rolleyes::rolleyes:

I don't take petrol into account as my bike uses more gas than my car, but it way more fun. Plus I ride it harder than I drive my car. I think if I thought about all the costs, it would freak me out - but a girl has to have a hobby - right?

[ducatilover]

9000k. I change both at the same time. That's pretty decent! I've never had that much from a tyre, not even on a 250. :facepalm:


You don't really wanna work out how much your bike costs to run....

My 2008 GSX750F is tracking at just under $0.50 per km (including accessories from new) covering around 15000 km per year.

My 2008 XR6 FG Falcon is running at about $0.65 per km covering around 20000 km per year.

My spreadsheet includes depreciation, all fixed and variable costs, but no riding gear.

I kinda figure by the time I upgrade to a bigger bike, the running cost for the bike will be higher than the car.....but still the bike will be more fun....if only the wife could understand:rolleyes::rolleyes:

It's worth every cent. My Corolla is cheaper to run than any bike I've owned, it's shit though.

[Ghost_Bullet]

I dont seem to save anything to spend on the bike, but I seem to be spending everything on the bike....:wait:

[dogsnbikes]

depends on who your paying too do any work on your bike...

but structure your big services for example

I have a daytona knocking on 100,000k and have already budgeted to replace front rotors,do steering head and final drive bearings on its next service

Once you know the condition of your bike it will be easier too plan your budget

[Hitcher]

Threads like this are depressing. There are times, like right now for instance, where one doesn't need to be reminded as to how much one invests in motorcycling each year. Yes, it's a lot of Whittaker's and Big Macs. It's also quite a bit of Lagavulin. But it's hard to put a price on pleasure.

So please stop this unproductive nonsense.

[Mungatoke Mad]

Work out how much you can afford and ....double it. + G S T :laugh:

[scumdog]

I agree.

What is this mythical 'motorcycle budget' that some speak of??:wait:

[ducatilover]

I agree.

What is this mythical 'motorcycle budget' that some speak of??:wait:
Budget motorcycle like a Suzuki?

[Gremlin]

I agree.

What is this mythical 'motorcycle budget' that some speak of??:wait:
It's called a bank account silly :weird:

Some dude chucks some in each month because you kept turning up, and the bike takes it out for you. :clap:

[DMNTD]

Jebus....great way to depress yourself. :rolleyes:
Just buy it, ride it, love it

[Newo]

How long is a piece of string?

Fair comment,

I'm still going to try and find out what I can so that I can have some sort of an idea.

[Newo]

depends on who your paying too do any work on your bike...

but structure your big services for example

I have a daytona knocking on 100,000k and have already budgeted to replace front rotors,do steering head and final drive bearings on its next service

Once you know the condition of your bike it will be easier too plan your budget

Also a fair comment, and I do realise that all bikes are going to require a different amount of attention in certain areas. What I'm more or less trying to work towards is all the costs that are pretty much gauranteed standard for most bikes, generalising here.

Like we all have to pay rego, we all require wof's and every bike needs to be serviced at even the most basic level every certain amount of k's.

[Newo]

Threads like this are depressing. There are times, like right now for instance, where one doesn't need to be reminded as to how much one invests in motorcycling each year. Yes, it's a lot of Whittaker's and Big Macs. It's also quite a bit of Lagavulin. But it's hard to put a price on pleasure.

So please stop this unproductive nonsense.

So some of us indulge more than others, thats not what this is all about.

I'm not trying to burst your bubble, but rather grow my own knowledge. Simple as that.

[dogsnbikes]

Like we all have to pay rego, we all require wof's and every bike needs to be serviced at even the most basic level every certain amount of k's.

Just for the Triumph
Basicly I budget for annually


rego, $530
wof, $60
lubes 4 oil changes $500
chain lube $100
tyres, 3 sets $2000
oil filters x4, $100
insurance, $300
cleaning products, $100
Chain and sprokets $600
brakepads and fluids x 2 $400
Misc $1000

I do my own bike servicing so that why I haven't included labour

[caspernz]

Threads like this are depressing. There are times, like right now for instance, where one doesn't need to be reminded as to how much one invests in motorcycling each year. Yes, it's a lot of Whittaker's and Big Macs. It's also quite a bit of Lagavulin. But it's hard to put a price on pleasure.

So please stop this unproductive nonsense.

It can be depressing at times....but I agree it's hard to put a pricetag on the pleasure derived from a motorcycle.... I for one don't mind sharing my info. Is there a pricetag on the pleasure derived from the woman in our life? Oooopps, wrong forum for that topic :laugh::laugh:

[mrchips]

Money doesn't come in to it for me ... it's my sanity money !


I'm cummuting on an older faired 1000cc bike & carry out my own maintenance.

Maintenance costs last year (parts) : approx. $ 1,200 (for 30,000 + km)
Tyre milage : 20,000 km rear PR2 / 12,000 km front PR3. (still have approx. 10,000km left on the rear / 5,000 km the front)... i take it easy !.

Preventative maintenance is the key if you want a realiable commute on an older bike + doing your own servicing can keep your costs down.


Do it, you won't regreat it... the freedom & experience is awesome.

Fyi, get some good rain gear !

[ducatilover]

Just for the Triumph
Basicly I budget for annually


rego, $530
wof, $60
lubes 4 oil changes $500
chain lube $100
tyres, 3 sets $2000
oil filters x4, $100
insurance, $300
cleaning products, $100
Chain and sprokets $600
brakepads and fluids x 2 $400
Misc $1000

I do my own bike servicing so that why I haven't included labour
I take it you use Mobil1 at that price?

[dogsnbikes]

I take it you use Mobil1 at that price?
motul...........

[Newo]

motul...........

I actually just bought 4L of Motul oil today for $35.00. Not bad if you ask me.

[dogsnbikes]

I actually just bought 4L of Motul oil today for $35.00. Not bad if you ask me.

regardless of which one it is yeah...even if its 3100 gold... still cheap thats what I use in the XT's

As for the Daytona budget thats what I allow going on RRP,wether or not I actually end up spending all of my budget is another matter but at least I know if I need it the money is there...

[ducatilover]

motul...........
How much oil does the Trumpet take???? I use Motul too and it doesn't seem to cost me more than $45-50 a time.

[dogsnbikes]

How much oil does the Trumpet take???? I use Motul too and it doesn't seem to cost me more than $45-50 a time.

Really depends on the motul you use,last time I looked


3100 gold was $55 for 4 litres
5100 was $80 for 4 litres
7100 was $125 for 4 litres
factoryline gold $150 for 4 litres

I use 7100 during winter and factoryline over the summer the trumpy holds 3.6litre and often do 4 oil changes a year

[Newo]

Budgeting for 4 oil changes per year is a good idea. I'd probably say I'll do around 10k a year on average. So once every 2500 or every 3 months, which ever comes first sounds about right.

[dogsnbikes]

Budgeting for 4 oil changes per year is a good idea. I'd probably say I'll do around 10k a year on average. So once every 2500 or every 3 months, which ever comes first sounds about right.

Plan your oil changes for 5000k intervals or 6monthly which ever comes first.....I do over 20'000k's just on the daytona a year hence my 4 changes

[ellipsis]

...in answer to the OP...all I have plus more....